The Mark of Excellence is a national competition, entered by recordings, in which the top quarter of entrees are selected as National Winners. The second quarter receive Commended Honors.

This year, 278 musical ensembles from 38 states entered the competition. The music is judged and ranked by nationally renowned adjudicators.

Congratulations to the following MISD ensembles and band directors:

The Lake Ridge High School Wind Symphony, directed by Brad Bonebrake, was selected as a National Winner. The group was also named winners in the New Music Division.

The Summit High School Wind Symphony, directed by Chris Kanicki, was selected as a National Winner.

The T.A. Howard Middle SchoolHonor Band, directed by Nathaniel Neugent, was selected as a National Winner.

The Timberview High School Wind Symphony, directed by Eric Mullins,was selected as a Commended Winner.

The winners will be recognized in publications and at regional and national conventions. All of the groups will receive trophies, comments from the adjudicators and a compilation recording of the National Winners.